Applying Environmental Context to Rehabilitation Research Using Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems Geospatial Technologies

Abstract

BackgroundThe International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health includes important considerations of environmental context in understanding disability, but the environmental impact is often difficult to measure.PurposeDemonstrates the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in rehabilitation research in assessing accessibility and participation; describes how to use these methods, and presents several considerations in using GIS and GPS in research.MethodUsing methods from public health and medical geography, this article describes how to apply GIS and GPS technologies to rehabilitation research to measure community participation and accessibility to resources.FindingsDirections for using ArcGIS functions and case examples joining these mapping technologies with rehabilitation measures are provided.ConclusionsTogether with traditional measures, these technologies may provide rehabilitation researchers a more comprehensive approach to assessing accessibility and participation.